"The Rosie Show" staff holiday party took place at Roof in the Wit hotel Wednesday and included an appearance by Rosie O’Donnell herself. Highlights from the party and the preparations for the party will air on the OWN network talk show.

O’Donnell and the show’s staff were treated to pigs in a blanket, lobster corn dogs and pumpkin whoopie pies, among other menu items.

On Monday, the talk show host dined at Chicago Cut Steakhouse with “Laverne and Shirley” star and “Big” director Penny Marshall. O’Donnell’s brother was also on hand for the dinner.

By the way, I told O’Donnell at last week’s Michigan Avenue magazine party that I’m one of the people who writes about her whereabouts in the city. Her response?

“If you want, I could let you know in advance,” she said. “I’m probably going out to dinner Saturday night. My fiancee looks up in the (Zagat) where they rate restaurants and makes decisions based on that.”

Heads up: Singer/actor Tyrese Gibson will perform Saturday at Power 92.3 FM’s Surround Sound of Fashion Concert & Fashion Show at Harris Theater. … Cobra Starship singer Gabe Saporta will DJ at Drink nightclub in Schaumburg Saturday following his band’s performance at the B96 Jingle Bash at the Allstate Arena.

On the record: “Been unsuccessfully choking back the tears all day - but I couldn't be more proud to be involved with this legacy @extremehome has left.” – “Extreme Home Makeover” designer and former Chicago resident Jillian Harris tweets about the show’s cancellation after nine seasons.

Sightings: Cubs’ president of baseball operations Theo Epstein and a friend had a late dinner at Mon Ami Gabi in Lincoln Park Wednesday. … “Mr Cub” Ernie Banks attended Ogden International School's Annual Athletic Fundraiser at The Globe Pub Sunday.

Rosie O’Donnell still isn’t used to the reaction she’s been getting on the streets of Chicago. The talk show host, who began taping “The Rosie Show” in the West Loop in October, said it’s far different from the reaction she gets in Los Angeles and New York.

The University of Illinois' rescinded job offer to a professor and a controversy over a faculty blog at Chicago State University helped land the two schools on a 2014 "worst of" list for student and faculty free speech rights.

Rep. Aaron Schock billed taxpayers at least three times for a total of more than $14,000 in private air travel last fall, including for a trip to a Chicago Bears football game, The Associated Press has learned.